Who We Are

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WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD AN ESTONIAN FUTURE IN CANADA

The Estonian Foundation of Canada is dedicated to ensuring the legacy of Estonian Canadians and their vibrant community through broad spectrum charitable support. The EFC enables the Canadian Estonian community to continue to embrace and enrich the Canadian society, while maintaining its unique culture, traditions and institutions.

Mission

The Estonian Foundation of Canada (EFC) is a registered charity supporting Estonian cultural and heritage initiatives across Canada.
We connect with and support a network of institutions, organizations and people who believe in an Estonian future in Canada. Charitable No. 891452575 RR 0001

Katrin Roop

Martin Pede

Peeter Põldre

Elli Kipper

Maris-Ann Vanaselja

Martin Weiler

Our Story

The Estonian communities in Eastern Canada and on the West Coast were founded primarily by war refugees who came to Canada in the early 1950s. Tens of thousands of refugees fled the illegal occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union which was marked by mass deportations, widespread targeted executions and the focused repression of the Estonian people. During the years of Soviet occupation, the preservation of the Estonian language and the continuation of its folklore and traditions here in Canada was a critical, difficult yet vitally important task. Numerous organizations and groups were formed.

The Foundation evolved as a central organization to simplify the choices for donors and to ensure all donations stayed in Canada to support the Estonian community here. We continue to provide the financial support to keep Estonian institutions and initiatives thriving in Canada, and include and educate future generations of Canadians about Estonia.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

The EFC works closely with agent organizations and partners in the Estonian community across Canada.

OUR DONORS

Through the generosity of our donors, the Estonian Foundation of Canada is able to support organizations, events, and programs across the country. Thank you for believing that an Estonian future in Canada is important!